President Bola Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria will not surrender to extremism and terrorism, declaring that the country will defend its people and values against those who seek to impose violence under the guise of faith.
President Tinubu stated this in a message posted on his verified X handle on Thursday , following a deadly attack on Worro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The President who met with the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and was fully debriefed on the incident condemned in strongest terms the “cowardly and beastly attack”
“I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and beastly attack. The gunmen are heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror,” President Tinubu said.
Deployment of Army Battalion
The President disclosed that he had directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama LGA after the attack on innocent villagers.
He stated that a new military command has been approved to spearhead Operation, Savannah Shield, aimed at checking terrorist activities and protecting vulnerable communities in the area.
The Nigerian Leader described the attack as particularly disturbing, noting that the victims were reportedly killed for rejecting an attempt at forced indoctrination.
“It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue. Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith,” he said.
READ ALSO: Operation Savannah Shield To Check Terror Threat in Kwara
Close Collaboration
The President further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to ensure immediate support and relief for the affected community, while assuring that the perpetrators would be tracked down and brought to justice.
“They will not go scot-free,” the President added.
He pledged that the government would protect communities and defeat those seeking to divide the country through terror.
“We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror,” The President said.
President Tinubu also prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed and extended condolences to their families, as well as the people and government of Kwara State, assuring them of the Federal Government’s support.
“The Federal Government stands with you. We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror,” the President added.